Hem and Haw

Hem and Haw : Phrases

Meaning:

Sounds made in clearing the throat when we are about to speak.

Example:

Origin:

When a speaker constantly makes them without speaking he is usually hesitating out of uncertainty, which suggested the phrase. Said the first writer to record the idea in 1469: "He wold have gotyn it aweye by humys and by hays but I would not so be answered.